A process model for remote sensing data analysis

Remote sensing data is collected and analyzed to enhance understanding of the terrestrial surface-in composition, in form, or in function. One approach for accomplishing this is to design the analysis process as an iterated composite of several analyst-directed modules. This paper proposes such a modular design for the data analysis. The proposed methodology was applied in a project to obtain the thematic map for a flightline over Washington, DC, with very satisfactory results-the qualification being in both the visual and the statistical sense. The project execution is presented as a case study in this paper.